The research unit Quantitative Lexicology and Variational Linguistics at the University of Leuven invites applications for two PhD positions (01.10.2007 - 30.09.2011).

Research Project 1: Sociolectometry and Lexical Variation

The research project 'Sociolectometry and Lexical Variation' wishes to contribute to the development of a quantitative, corpus-based study of language variation. In order to compare the use of synonyms (like 'jeans' and 'spijkerbroek' or 'dessert' and 'toetje') in Belgian and Netherlandic Dutch, it applies state-of-the-art computational-linguistic techniques that discover semantically related words on the basis of their distribution in a corpus. The differences in the distribution of these words between several sub-corpora then make it possible to quantify the 'linguistic distance' between several language varieties.

Research Project 2: A Usage-Based Analysis of Dutch 'Doen' and 'Laten" Causatives

The second research project focuses on the distribution of 'doen' ('make') and 'laten' ('let') causatives in Dutch. On the basis of a quantitative analysis of their distribution in large corpora, it is our goal to determine what variables (e.g., direct vs. indirect causation, Belgian vs. Netherlandic Dutch) influence the choice of either 'doen' or 'laten' as a causative. In this way, this project contributes to the development of a usage-based grammar in Cognitive Linguistics, and explores the methods by which such a grammar can be constructed.

The research unit QLVL at the University of Leuven seeks to advance the cognitive-linguistic study of language in two fields: sociolectometry (cf. project 1) and the development of a multifactorial grammar (cf. project 2). Both perspectives are motivated by a concern for an empirically viable usage-based study of language, a growing tendency within Cognitive Linguistics. QLVL is part of the Department of Linguistics at KULeuven, which is home to many renowned linguists. QLVL works together with other departments at KULeuven and elsewhere. More information can be found at the website listed above.

Requirements: Candidates must have completed all requirements for their MA degree in linguistics by the time of appointment. The ideal candidate should have a strong research interest, with demonstrable familiarity in any of the following research fields: cognitive linguistics, sociolinguistics, language variation, stylometric and lectometric research, lexicology and lexical semantics, syntax, corpus linguistics. Knowledge of Dutch is not required at the time of application, but non-native candidates will be asked to acquire a working knowledge of the language in the first year of their employment. Computational and statistical skills will be considered an asset.

Further Information: Additional information can be obtained from professors Dirk Geeraerts whose contact information is listed below or Dirk Speelman, who will supervise the project. Funding is guaranteed as of October 1, 2007, but according to the availability of the candidate, employment may start later.

Applications Please send applications to both Dirk Geeraerts and Dirk Speelman. E-mail applications should be sent in pdf format. Please include: - your choice of research project, together with a letter of motivation - a full CV - the name and e-mail address of one referee